DESCRIPTIONA beautiful edition of this important survey on North American trees. "it is no exaggeration to remark that it is the most complete work of its kind, and is a production of unrivalled interest and beauty" (Savin). Michaux visited America under the auspice of the French government and met with Thomas Jefferson to discuss exploring the sources of the Missouri River. Although due to political complications Jefferson did not commission Michaux to carry out the trip, the instructions given to Lewis and Clark a decade later echo the contract drafted between Jefferson and Michaux. Michaux settled in Charleston. The crape myrtle, and camellia are just a few of the plants he is credited with introducing. His work was continued and completed by the English botanist Thomas Nuttall, who was a fascinating character in the history of early American science. Nuttall traveled extensively in the West and discovered more new species than any other single scientist. Combined with the importance of its scientific contribution, the beauty of its engraved plates and its scarcity, these plates are treasures of American botanical illustration.